Florida New Roof Installation Guide

Choosing to get a new roof installation is a big decision. And whether you need a roof replacement or a roof installed on a brand-new structure, John Hogan Roofing has your back. We’ve been installing roofs all over Tampa Bay for 25 years, and we’ve learned a lot in that time. And today, we’re going to share that experience with you!

From questions about when to get a roof replaced to what roofing material you should pick, we’re going to answer all of your questions about getting a new roof installed. And first, we’re going to start with the big one: How do you know if you need a new roof installation?

When to Get a New Roof Installation

If you need a roof for a new structure, then you probably aren’t wondering if you need a new roof. But if you’re considering a roof replacement, it’s much more challenging to tell when you need a new roof installation.

Luckily, you can look for several signs that it’s time to replace your roof. These include:

• Age: If your roof is nearing the end of its life, then it’s time for a new roof installation. This varies depending on the material, but most shingle roofs will need to be replaced after 20 years.
• Damaged Materials: For shingle roofs, curled, bent, or missing shingles are a surefire sign that your roof needs to be replaced. Sometimes these issues can be repaired by replacing them with new shingles, but if the majority of the roof has been damaged, then it’s time to replace the entire roofing system.
• Roof Sagging: Sagging can happen when your roof’s underlayment starts to weaken. When this happens, the best solution is a new roof installation.
• Leaking: Sometimes a roofer can fix a leak simply and cheaply. But if the leak has been caused by structural damage to your roofing system, then only a roof replacement will fix the issue.
• Mold: Small amounts of mold are not a major roofing concern. However, if mold is not controlled and grows out over a roof, it can weaken the entire structure. If this happens, the best solution is a new roof.

If you’re experiencing roofing problems like these, it could be time for a new roof installation. And that’s going to come with some important decisions. Perhaps the most important? Deciding which roofing material to use for your new roof.

Materials for a New Roof

Deciding on roofing materials will have a huge impact on the quality of your new roof. It’s also going to affect your new roof installation costs, so it’s important to get information before making any decisions. And that’s exactly what John Hogan Roofing is here for! Let’s look at some of the most popular roofing materials in Florida and what you can expect from each.

1. Asphalt Shingles

Shingles are a classic choice, and they’ve got a lot of great features. If you want to keep new roof installation costs down, a shingle roof replacement usually ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, although this depends on the specifics of the roof and the shingles being used. Asphalt roofing shingles are also durable, and they can last for 20-25 years on average.

But shingles do have their downsides. The biggest issue is that they’re not the most durable roofing material. While they can stand up well to rain and heat, shingles are vulnerable to damage or even removal from high winds. This can be a problem when hurricane season comes around, so it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of shingles before making a decision.

2. Tiles

Tiles are available in concrete or clay, and there are a lot of differences between these two options. Clay tiles are a luxury roofing material, and they can make your new roof installation cost between $18,000 and $25,000 on average. While this is certainly more expensive, it’s important to note that a clay tile roof can last for upwards of a century with proper maintenance.

Concrete tiles are more affordable, ranging from $13,000 to $22,000 in most cases. And they have a respectable lifespan of up to 50 years. While they’re less durable than their clay counterparts, they are more lightweight, which makes them good for structures that cannot support the weight of a heavier clay tile roof.

3. Metal

Metal is rapidly growing in popularity as a roofing material in Florida. And it’s not hard to see why—metal roofs can last between 40 and 70 years, and they’re remarkably resistant to Florida’s inclement weather patterns. However, these great features do come at a high price, and a metal roof can cost upwards of $40,000. However, it’s important to note that there are many variations in metal roofing that can lower or increase the total new roof installation costs.

Some homeowners like the durability and longevity of metal roofs, but not the aesthetics. If that sounds like you, you could consider stone-coated steel roofs, which combine the strength of metal with classic aesthetics.

4. Modified Bitumen

If you new a flat roof replacement or new roof installation, modified bitumen could be perfect. This low-slope roofing material is made of a mixture of asphalt and rubber, which is reinforced with a fiberglass base to create a water-resistant barrier. The resulting multiple layers of protection can last for about 20 years, which isn’t bad for a flat roofing option.

Another great feature of modified bitumen is its price. The total price depends on the size of your low-slope roof, but modified bitumen ranges in cost from $5.50 to $8.50 per square foot. So if you’re looking for a new flat roof installation, this is a very economical option.

5. TPO

Another flat roofing option, experts consider TPO to be one of the best options for low-slope roofs. It’s a single-ply roofing membrane, meaning it’s rolled out across your roof and sealed to it to create a water-tight membrane. TPO is more expensive than modified bitumen with a price of up to $14 per square foot, but it can last up to 30 years and will likely need less maintenance.

The one way in which TPO is inferior to modified bitumen is in resisting punctures. As a rubber roofing system, it’s vulnerable to damage from windborne debris that could puncture it and weaken the entire roofing system. But it’s also more resistant to water damage, so it’s important to consider all of these factors when deciding on a material for your new roof installation.

Starting Your New Roof Installation

Once you’ve decided on a roofing material, all that’s left is to start the process. And that’s as easy as going online and scheduling your free roofing estimate. At this stage, a friendly roofing expert will inspect the property and prepare a comprehensive estimate for your new roof installation. This estimate will include the cost to install your chosen roofing material, as well as options to make sure that you get the exact roofing system that you want.

And from there, the only thing left to do is let the professionals handle your new roof installation. At John Hogan Roofing, we make it simple and easy to get your new roof. That’s why we’ve been Florida’s favorite roofers for more than 25 years! Get your free, no-obligation estimate for a new roof installation and see why we’re the most reliable roofing company in Florida.

New Roof Installation FAQs

1. Q: How much does a new roof installation cost?

A: The cost of a new roof installation depends on the material used, the size of the roof, and unique roofing features like chimneys or skylights. Because there are so many factors, the best way to get a reliable cost for your new roof is to get a personalized roofing estimate.

2. Q: What are the most common materials for new roof installations?

A: For sloped roofs, the most common roofing materials are shingles, metal, and tile. For flat roofs, most roof replacements use TPO or modified bitumen.

3. Q: Do I need a permit for a new roof installation?

A: Yes, in Florida you need a permit to replace a roof. This is one big reason to only entrust your roof to experienced roofing professionals, because without proper permitting, you could lose your homeowners insurance.

4. Q: Can I install a new roof over the old one?

A: Sometimes it’s possible to install a new roof over the old one, but this is rarely the case. In most situations, the old roof will need to be removed and disposed of before installing the new one.

5. Q: How do I choose a roofing company for my new roof installation?

A: This is a big decision. When looking at roofers, go with a company that has experience and a good reputation in your area. Never entrust your new roof installation to storm chasers or other out-of-town roofers!

New Roof Installation Video